Common Types of Air Conditioners
By knowing which type of air conditioner you have, you'll feel more empowered in your contractor search. Melbourne HVAC technicians have experience with different AC makes and models, and they can tailor their skills to your needs.
- Central AC: These are the most common home air conditioners, offering precise, consistent temperature control. They feature a central unit that cools and purifies outside air and sends it through ducts to various rooms in your home.
- Ductless mini-split: Ductless mini-splits have an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units, with no ductwork required. They offer flexible installation options, higher energy efficiency, and individual room temperature control.
- Portable air conditioners: As the name implies, portable ACs don't require permanent installation or ductwork. Instead, they remove hot air through an exhaust hose connected to a window or nearby vent. They're a common choice for apartments, condos, or individual rooms.
- Split ACs: Split ACs have two main elements: one inside and one outside. They provide peaceful operation, improved energy efficiency, ductwork options, and more cooling capability versus mini-splits.
- Window ACs: Window air conditioners are a popular choice for Melbourne condos, townhomes, and apartments. These compact, affordable units are designed for cooling single rooms and small spaces, and they fit snugly in a window frame or dedicated wall slot. Many window-mounted AC users set up their units without professional assistance, though technicians can still help with maintenance and repairs.
How to Choose Your Melbourne AC Repair Service
While you might want to resolve your AC issue quickly, you should do your research before signing a contract with a repair service. Take the following steps to ensure you find the top-rated company for your home.
Confirm the Company Is Properly Licensed and Insured
Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation certifies air conditioning contractors. New in-state applicants must verify their work experience, pass exams, purchase insurance, get fingerprinted, and prove financial stability and responsibility to earn a license. There is also a reciprocity path for contractors in other states to earn licensure in the Sunshine State.
Note that a Florida HVAC license doesn't allow contractors to work with gas lines or electrical systems. Both of these jobs require subcontracting.
You should also check a company has sufficient liability coverage, even if your state doesn't require it. Choosing an insured company will protect you if something gets damaged during work.
Read Customer Reviews
Check customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for each company you're interested in. The BBB recognizes contractors that handle complaints professionally and honor their warranties.
It's common for even the best AC repair businesses to have both positive and negative reviews. Read each one carefully, and avoid a company if most reviewers had subpar experiences.
Compare Estimates
Obtain at least three detailed, written estimates from different providers for the best value. A good estimate should factor in additional fees such as permitting costs. You should also ask about the emergency repair process, installer guarantees, and manufacturer warranties.
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Frequently Asked Questions About AC Repair in Melbourne
How much can I expect to pay for AC repair in Melbourne?
See the average costs for common AC repairs below.
Common Repair | Average Cost |
---|---|
Clogged air filter | $60–$160 |
Electrical circuits | $200–$250 |
Drainage problems | $100–$150 |
Thermostat | $80–$201 |
Refrigerant leak | $400–$1500 |
Frozen condenser coils | $1,203–$3,610 |
Fan or air blower issues | $150–$200 |
Compressor replacement | $600–$1,524 |
How do I know if my air conditioning system needs repair?
- Clogged air filter
- Dirty evaporator coil
- Fan motor failure
- Faulty thermostat
- Faulty wiring
- Freon leak
- Frozen evaporator coil
- Improper refrigerant charge
- Malfunctioning capacitor
- Malfunctioning compressor
- Mold or mildew growth
- Oversized or undersized unit
- Refrigerant leak
- Water leaks
Is hiring an HVAC company better than doing the repair on my own?
How many years until I should replace my AC unit?
Should my HVAC company have a private accreditation?
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